Thursday, July 5, 2007

Patriotism
My country tis of the...sweet land of...? What is it that symbolizes a country? That sums its spirit of (dis?)unity and national belonging? When I mentioned seeing the fireworks to a few of my guildies in an MMORPG I frequent, I was rather dismayed to be greeted with a combination of bitter discord and polite scoffing at the idea of showing even the slightest homage to the day. mostly the objection came from a distant (and I'll add- Canadian) friend of mine, who in one brief instance shattered my jovial mood and in its wake, left a feeling of cynical regret for having harbored any form of idealistic wishes on (what many in my nation consider) a time of great joy and celebration. Let's face it, higher morals aside for a moment every nation is entitled to one day of backyard catch, fireworks and hot dogs to unify (if for even a moment) the millions of rugged individuals into one collective sense of pride and fellowship. But in that moment in stead of the joy begotten of light-hearted patriotism and pride, I was forced to reconsider where exactly I stood: as an American, and as an individual.

I want to defend my country when we are accused of exuberance, sloth, fanciful ennui, and self awareness to the point of arrogance- even the mistakes of my government when put under the foreign lens rally within me a certain defensive instinct that not even I can explain. True I secretly have my criticism and even see room for definite improvement. I disagree about spending and (as an adamant pacifist) dislike war, and hold a removed point of view about the frilly pop culture of the time; I also however trust the powers that be ( for the most part) to do as we have elected them, and continue this countries legacy gallantly as their predecessors have for decades before. In this I believe- that while all governments have their flaws, err only begs room for improvement. As a member of a younger generation I find it my responsibility to change the flaws I see ( unlike many of my peers)a nation worthy of attention and change- a change that we can, and will see to fruition as adults and beyond. I am frightened my the masses of those who would condemn a nation "unworthy" of change, based on these few (and over-hyped) flaws.

As I survey my country in this most sacred of days, I see a curious assortment of the humbly sentimental, and the stubbornly cynical. "Patriotism" a word hanging just at the tips of tongues nation wide.What does this word mean to you? Does it arouse mental images of the proud and lofty flag? Does it stir within you an urge to sing a hymn of fond national sentiment? Or perhaps it brings to light images and thoughts of a more negative nature? I have seen it come to be used as both a term of great pride and (even as of late) a description of blind and ignorant devotion- sheep to the slaughter left at the mercy of a pair of bloodthirsty and power hungry bafoons; fighting and dying under the banner of this much loved and loathed "Patriotism".

To avoid the atrocious mistake of historical misrepresentation I will leave the issue of comparison from the time and views of patriotism during the Vietnam war and now where it belongs- to the historians (who will do the misrepresentation for me).

Patriotism while largely debated is individual, and must be expressed as such, and so I will say no more on the issue. But I will say this much: on this day of reflection upon the symbolic birth of a nation I hold dear- I raise my patriotic cup of coffee in a toast "to the Union- it must (and will) be preserved"

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